Correctional Officer

Your Fit

Income

$53K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-7.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Correctional Officer?

A Correctional Officer is responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in a jail, prison, or other correctional facility. They maintain order and safety within the facility, enforce rules, and prevent assaults or escapes.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Correctional Officer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Correctional Officer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$45K per year	$53K per year	$69K per year	$87K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $5.24K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Correctional Officer do?

Work environment

Correctional Officers work in jails, prisons, or other correctional institutions. The environment can be challenging and high-stress, requiring constant vigilance. Officers work in shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and the job often involves substantial physical activity.

Quick task list

Supervises inmate activities and maintains order within the facility.
Enforces rules and regulations to prevent disturbances, assaults, or escapes.
Inspects facilities for contraband items.
Escorts inmates to and from cells, courtrooms, medical facilities, or other destinations.
Prepares reports on inmate behavior and facility operations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Juvenile Corrections: Focusing on the supervision of juvenile offenders.
Maximum Security: Working in high-risk environments with inmates convicted of serious crimes.
Transportation: Specializing in the secure movement of inmates between facilities or to external locations.
Correctional Rehabilitation: Concentrating on rehabilitation programs and reintegration of inmates.
Administrative: Roles focused on the management and administrative aspects of correctional facilities.

Description

Correctional Officers play a vital role in the criminal justice system. They are tasked with maintaining security and order within correctional facilities, which involves closely monitoring the activities of inmates and ensuring facility rules are followed. This occupation requires a high level of alertness and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies or threatening situations. Correctional Officers must possess strong interpersonal skills as they interact with inmates, other law enforcement personnel, and occasionally the public.

The job demands both physical and mental resilience. Correctional Officers must be prepared to handle potentially dangerous situations, including conflicts between inmates or attempts at disruption. Training for this role typically includes instruction on security procedures, institutional policies, legal guidelines, and self-defense. Continuous education and training are important for career advancement and specialization.

A career as a Correctional Officer can be challenging but rewarding for those with a strong sense of duty and a commitment to public safety. It offers opportunities for growth and advancement, especially for those who continue their education and demonstrate strong leadership skills.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Ensuring the safety and security of the community.
Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
Working as part of a team to maintain order and discipline in a challenging environment.

You might make a good Correctional Officer if you are...

Physically fit and able to handle stressful and potentially hazardous situations.
Vigilant, with strong observation skills.
Able to communicate effectively and enforce rules with authority and fairness.
Interested in law enforcement and criminal justice.
Capable of handling the emotional and mental challenges of working in a correctional environment.

Pros:

Stable employment with benefits in the public sector.
Opportunities for overtime pay and shift differentials.
Potential for career advancement and specialization.
Satisfaction from maintaining safety and order.

Cons:

High-stress work environment with potential danger.
Exposure to difficult and potentially hostile interactions.
Irregular hours, including night shifts and working on holidays.
Emotional toll from working in a correctional setting.

How to become a Correctional Officer

Typical education

The minimum educational requirement is typically a high school diploma or GED, although some federal agencies and certain positions may require some college education or a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to maintain fitness.
Psychology to understand behavior and conflict resolution.
Law-related courses to gain an understanding of the justice system.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in team sports to develop teamwork skills.
Involvement in student government or leadership roles.
Volunteering in community service projects, especially those related to law enforcement.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a degree or coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.
Attend a training academy specific to correctional officers.
Gain experience through internships or work-study programs in law enforcement or corrections.
Consider obtaining certifications in areas like self-defense or emergency response.

More resources

American Correctional Association (ACA) - Offers resources, training, and certifications for correctional professionals.
National Institute of Corrections (NIC) - Provides training programs and resources for correctional agencies and staff.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) - Information on careers in federal corrections.
Discover Corrections - A portal for information on careers in corrections, including job listings and career advice.
Correctional Officer EDU - A resource for educational and career information specific to correctional officers.

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